Meet the students of the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Mya Maybank
Program: Master of Public Health
Hometown: Port St. Lucie, FL
Educational background: A.A. in Biology and B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science
Why did you decide to join your program?
I graduated one year early with my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science, yet I was unsure about my future in the field. Unlike many of my undergraduate peers, I did not feel drawn to the traditional paths for microbiology graduates, particularly pre-med or academic research. During my final year, I began exploring alternative career options and enrolled in an Introduction to Public Health course, where I quickly discovered a new passion. Public health expanded my perspective beyond the laboratory, allowing me to view health challenges through a broader population-level lens rather than focusing solely on individual pathogens. I was especially drawn to the emphasis on addressing root causes within communities to prevent negative health outcomes before they occur. This experience ultimately led me to pursue the combined degree program and an MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology through PHHP. The program has enabled me to integrate my scientific background in microbiology with my passion for disease prevention and community health, preparing me to apply pathogen knowledge in ways that protect populations rather than just treating illness after the fact.
What have been some of your favorite moments in your program?
Some of my favorite moments in the program have come from connecting with classmates who share a passion for public health. It has been refreshing to be surrounded by people who are equally dedicated to improving health outcomes and who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the classroom. Our cohort size is small enough to feel close-knit, which has allowed us to build meaningful relationships, share ideas and learn from one another’s journeys. One particularly memorable experience was creating a public health PSA for PHC 6410. My group produced a short skit about antibiotic resistance, and one of our members dressed up as Albert to deliver the message. It was a fun and creative way to engage the class while applying the concepts we were learning, and it showed how effective public health communication can also be entertaining. However, currently completing my Applied Practice Experience (APE) and working on my capstone has been especially rewarding. These experiences have allowed me to see how the knowledge and skills developed in coursework translate into real-world public health practice. Being able to contribute to meaningful projects has given my education a deeper sense of purpose.
What do you plan to do with your degree?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as an infection preventionist in a health care setting. I am passionate about using epidemiologic methods and data-driven strategies to reduce health care-associated infections, improve patient outcomes and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. My background in microbiology and cell science has given me a deep understanding of pathogens and mechanisms of disease, while my M.P.H. training has equipped me with the tools to examine health challenges at the population level. This combination has drawn me toward infection prevention, where scientific knowledge and public health practice intersect to produce measurable improvements in patient outcomes. During my internship with the Infection Prevention team at UF Health Shands, I have gained hands-on experience which has solidified my commitment to this field. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to stronger prevention systems that protect both patients, families, and health care workers.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting for clothes and unique trinkets at the many thrift stores, consignment shops and vintage markets around Gainesville. I especially look forward to exploring the monthly Florida Vintage Market at Midpoint Eatery. I also love crafting, whether working from my craft bin at home or visiting local studios. Some of my favorite activities include painting, scrapbooking, making clay pieces and DIY home décor. I enjoy spending time at creative spaces around Gainesville such as Corks & Colors, where you can paint and fire your own pottery, and Roots Plant Studio, where you can design your own planter. I also like visiting local farmers markets and trying new coffee spots around the city.
What would you like to share with others who may be considering the same program?
For anyone considering this program, I would encourage you to take full advantage of all the opportunities it offers beyond the classroom. The M.P.H. program provides a strong academic foundation, but some of the most meaningful learning comes from applied experiences, internships, research projects and connections with faculty and peers. Being proactive in seeking out these opportunities can help you discover your specific interests within public health and build skills that will be valuable in your career. I would also emphasize the importance of collaboration. Your classmates come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives, which creates a supportive environment where you can learn as much from each other as from your coursework. Finally, stay open to where the program may lead you. Public health is a broad field, and you may discover passions and career paths you had not previously considered.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to emphasize that public health is a field where there are many different paths to making an impact. My journey into this program was not linear, and I initially was not sure how my background in microbiology would translate into a public health career. This program has helped me see how diverse skills and experiences can come together to address complex health challenges. It has also shown me that there is space in public health for a wide range of interests, from community outreach to data analysis to healthcare system improvement.
I am also grateful to be a recipient of a PHHP scholarship, which has supported my education and allowed me to focus on gaining meaningful applied experiences during the program. This support has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in public health and making a positive impact in health care and communities.
I am grateful for the supportive faculty, staff and peers who have helped shape my experience, and I am excited to carry the lessons I have learned into my future career. For anyone considering this field, I hope my story shows that it is possible to find your niche and make a meaningful difference.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the Master of Public Health program.
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